The Hawaii Teaching and Certification Resource

Hawaii is a great place to work as a teacher. Prospective educators should follow the recommended credentialing procedures, which are overseen by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board and described below for those looking to learn how to become a teacher in Hawaii.

How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii

Like all states, Hawaii requires teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, teachers must attend an approved teacher preparation program from an accredited school in order to qualify for Hawaii teacher certification.

Hawaii uses a tiered licensing structure that encourages educators to advance through continuing education. The initial license for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree and approved teacher preparation program is the Provisional License. After three years of successful teaching, educators can apply for the Standard License. Those who complete five years of successful teaching and earn a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree or earn National Board for Professional Teaching (NBPTS) certification may apply for the highest category of licensure, the Advanced License.

Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Hawaii

Projected Job Growth

7%

Growth in Teaching Jobs in HI through 202215

All prospective educators in Hawaii must attend a teacher preparation program that has been approved by the state. You can see a list of approved Hawaii teacher preparation programs through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Candidates must also hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. There are six regional accreditation bodies overseen by the US Department of Education. Applicants evaluating online or out-of-state bachelor’s degree programs should confirm that the school offering the program is accredited by its corresponding regional accreditation agency.

Additionally, schools may have earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization is the result of the merger of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Accreditation from CAEP is seen as a distinguished marker of quality curriculum and rigorous standards in teacher preparation.

Hawaii Teacher Outlook
The Hawaii Workforce Infonet has projected 70 average annual openings due to growth and 140 average annual openings due to replacements for elementary school teachers, 20 average annual openings due to growth and 40 average annual openings due to replacements for middle school teachers, and 20 average annual openings due to growth and 120 average annual openings due to replacements for secondary school teachers in Hawaii through 2022.2 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 11,790 elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in the state, excluding special education.3 The average annual salary for in-state elementary school teachers is $54,690, the average annual salary for middle school teachers is $54,370, and the average annual salary for secondary school teachers is $55,530.3 The Hawaii State Teachers Association, the largest active teachers union in Hawaii, is a good resource for information concerning teaching careers and education news in the state.

Hawaii Teacher Education Requirements

In order to qualify for an initial teaching license in Hawaii, applicants must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and a bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates for Hawaii teacher certification who wish to obtain an advanced certificate must teach for at least three years with a satisfactory rating and complete continuing education such as a master’s or specialist degree.

Hawaii Teacher Testing Requirements

Prospective teachers in Hawaii must take and pass the appropriate Praxis II content test for the subject area and grade level they wish to teach. These tests are designed to ensure that prospective teachers have the content knowledge and teaching skills necessary to become effective educators. Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution are not typically required to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam.

Additional Hawaii Teacher Certification Requirements

Like most states, Hawaii requires all public school employees to submit to a state and federal background check. Applicants typically submit a fingerprint card for a criminal history record check as part of the teacher preparation program requirements prior to completing fieldwork.

Hawaii Teachers Licensing Application Process

Those seeking Hawaii teacher licensing must apply for a certificate once all requirements have been met. Candidates must provide the following documentation to support an application:

A completed background check.

Official transcripts detailing completion of a bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program, as well as an institutional recommendation for a license from the teacher preparation program.

Verification of passing scores of the appropriate Praxis assessments.

An application with the appropriate documents and non-refundable application fee.

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Teacher in Hawaii

Question: How do I become an elementary teacher in Hawaii?

Answer: Elementary school teachers in Hawaii must meet the state’s licensure requirements. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program in elementary education. You must also pass the state’s exams for educators for the grade level(s) you wish to teach.